reflextics - well the shiny bubble wrap type stuff

[Snikwahjm]

Ok my first stupid question. We got some of the shiny bubble wrap stuff. We cut it out and fitted it into the van windows. We had to add some magnets with you guessed it duck tape. Well, after a few days in the sun, the magnets and duck tape parted company. The shiny stuff also reflects light off the parking lot lights at the Walmart no matter what. Then it is obvious from any distance that there is something weird about that van, not that there aren't other weird things about that van.... Ssssooooo I covered a couple covers with some nylon fabric. It looks ok inside and out. Magnets are secure. My stupid question is this....

Does reflextics work ok next to a window if the shiny stuff has been covered in fabric or does it need to shine all over the Walmart parking lot to stay cold/warm in there? Opinions please. I can't tell, seems hot as ever. No didn't cover the front yet.

[AbuelaLoca]

During sunny times, the reflectix needs to be blinding folks outside your van. If you haven't tinted your side windows yet, that's probably an added cooling option and stops the outside glare of the reflectix without ruining the cooling affect. (My humble opinion only, not an expert)

[Hepcat]

Reflectix serves two functions... as said above, it can reflect heat and sunshine with its shiny surface and it's air-bubbles between the two layers of material act as a thermal barrier. SO, if you use it when the van is hot and you cover it, it loses its reflecting ability, AND it acts as great insulation to keep the heat in the van. That's probably not a bad thing in the winter, but in the summer it's not doing the job you want it to do if you cover it.

[Snikwahjm]

Thanks. I think I can cut out most of the window side fabric to expose the shiny side of it and run some bias tape around whe "hole" to keep it from fraying all over the place. See what happens. Windows are tinted.

[Hepcat]

Keep us posted. Post a photo of what it looks like when you're done!

[GotSmart]

My experience with it is this.  I cut out two pieces and made a windshield cover for the inside.  In Ehrenberg I sat for almost 3 months with it reflecting the sun and keeping the van cooler.

What is needed for the side windows is limo tint and dark curtains.  

Is there a roof fan?

[Snikwahjm]

No roof fan. Old van with fiberglass high top.
We are looking around for something in a little better shape.
If I can make these work I'll see if I can make some kind of tutorial. If not well who cares.

[bLEEp]

Limo tint is a big YES!!!
Have fun putting that shit on.
Mrs b would probably never do the tint herself again for a million bucks. She literally spent a week on it, finally calling in a friend to help, it is very difficult, but so worth it. I really enjoy watching people stare at the bus, also mess with people walking by
Then again, Bertha has a ton of big windows.

[TrainChaser]

I don't really understand the worry about the lights reflecting off the Reflectix. Stealth in a WM parking lot seems a waste of time. If the light is reflecting into other rigs, they need curtains. Or, park UNDER the lights. Around here, the lights are positioned about 150 ft apart. Or, angling your rig so it's not at a right angle to the lights might help.

Don't try to use Duct Tape where it's going to get hot. Use Gorilla Tape, instead. I've got a 'temporary' Gorilla patch on my metal garage roof that has been there for 3 years. Just checked it, and it still looks good.

The heat is trapped in your van, w/o a fan.

[Snikwahjm]

Light comes in our van and reflects all over the place from the reflextics - I'd prefer it to be darker at night. The outside is ok but I just encased the reflextics in fabric to hold it all together.